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Is the Catholic Church rejoining fight for social justice in Guyana?
– members voice concerns about political issues
“The Bishop reminded us that the problems of the country are the problems of our citizens, and the citizens sit in our churches, so we can’t just say it is the politicians’ problems.”
– Lawrence Latchman
Bribery in the public service, racial discrimination, corruption in high office, victimization for speaking out about the wrongdoings both in church and society, were just a few of the outpourings of parishioners of the Church of the Ascension (New Amsterdam); St. Francis Xavier R.C. parish (Port Mourant), and Holy Name parish (Black Bush Polder), last Sunday at a special forum.
Two members of the newly- reconstituted Justice and Peace Commission of the Diocese of Georgetown visited New Amsterdam and Port Mourant last Sunday, but the actual discussions were held in the St. Therese Pastoral Centre, Main and Pope Streets, New Amsterdam immediately after the 08:30 hrs Mass. Attorney-at-Law Gino Persaud and Lawrence Latchman distributed questionnaires pertaining to social justice and peace in Guyana.
Catholics engaged in discussion on Sunday about national issues of justice and peace
They were sent by His Lordship Bishop Francis Alleyne, OSB to visit the various parishes across Guyana to solicit views, concerns and to get the general vibe of how Catholics feel about the issues of justice and peace.
The Catholic Church, especially in Guyana, is no new kid on the block as it relates to speaking out about these issues. In the past, the Church, spearheaded by Catholic Standard Editor Father Andrew Morrison, was once vocal about social and political issues including corruption, injustice, abortion, lawlessness, crime, victimization and racism.
The long silence of the Church prompted Bishop Alleyne to resuscitate the Commission and delve into these issues again. Some of the questions on the short questionnaire, Catholics in Berbice were asked to fill and return to the two individuals, dealt with bribery; whether they paid a bribe or not in the past; or whether they littered; identifying types of injustice in Guyana; their involvement in any other activities in their parish, except attending Mass; whether they have experienced racism and whether they or any Catholic they know have been victims of violence during the past year.
Latchman, in addressing the congregation during Mass, also spoke briefly about the Prorogation of the National Assembly by President Donald Ramotar, and how concerned are the Bishop and Diocese about the entire matter.
“We need to work on reconciliation and trust,” Latchman said, while referring to a letter by the Bishop in last November’s edition of the Catholic Standard.
“The Bishop reminded us that the problems of the country are the problems of our citizens, and the citizens sit in our churches, so we can’t just say it is the politicians’ problems.”
He cited the “glorious history” of the Catholic Church in Guyana in its struggles for peace, justice and such like. He mentioned Fr. Bernard Darke, Fr. Michael Rodrigues and the Catholic Standard, for pushing for free and fair elections in years past. He added that the Bishop is saying to him and Persaud, “Go and find out what the Holy Spirit is telling our people, and come back and tell me what you think we should do.”
Latchman mentioned too that further consultations are planned at parishes in the interior such as St. Ignatius, Bartica, etc, “but by the end of March, we hope to complete all this talking and praying to see what exactly we can propose to do.”
He noted that politics is not just about political parties; “it is about power and how we exercise that power fairly.”
Also in attendance at last weekend’s consultations was Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier, Fr. Ramesh Vanan, SJ and Fr. Michael Traher, SFM.
One of the things brought out of the discussions was that one person cannot engage in bribery or corruption; it takes two or more willing persons to do so. Also, the police came in for harsh criticism as some parishioners shared their distrust and disgust with the attitudes of the Guyana Police Force in carrying out their duties, such as turning up late at crime scenes and delaying the course of justice. Bribery at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA); ‘buying’ of car licences; indiscipline among youths, lawlessness on the roadways; music influencing the behaviour of some young people; and public officials in high offices that do not set a good example for Guyanese; were just a few of the issues that were openly discussed at the forum.
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